Paul Rabbitts, Head of Parks at Watford Council, said: “I am really proud of increasing the number of Green Flag awards for Watford’s parks from three to six. It has given me a real buzz. We’re in the middle of a vast programme of improvements at Cassiobury Park that has now seen the return of its historic bandstand. We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Mr Rabbitts has written two books on the bandstands of Britain and has a bandstand tattoo on his arm. The restoration of Watford’s bandstand is just one part of a £6.6m restoration project, jointly funded by the Heritage and Big Lottery Funds, as well as by Watford Borough Council.

The wider works programme includes the construction of an eco-friendly hub building near the paddling pools and the refurbishment of the Cha Café.

Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: “There’s so much going on in Cassiobury Park at the moment, and it’s just going to get better. The bandstand looks fantastic!”